The words "chop", "flick" and "forehand drive" came into more common usage with the introduction of table tennis (irreverently known among the weaker brethren as ping-pong) last year. As a winter sport, great enthusiasm was evidenced at first - perhaps because the warmth of the Gym. contrasted favourably with the fresh cold air of the playground. However, many began to find there was more to the game than merely pushing a celluloid ball back and forth across a table.

As ability grew, a series of friendly fixtures were arranged with neighbouring schools - notably Harrow Weald County - and two teams formed. Valuable experience was gained despite disappointing results. Our solitary success, for both "A" and "B" teams, was against Blackwell. Many matches were closer than scores would suggest, however, and it is well to remember that in many other schools table tennis is confined to the VI or upper forms and opponents are often older, stronger and more experienced. Among those who represented the school were Griffiths, Knight, Farrell, Limbrey, Scott, O'Malley, Hind, O'Shea, and Tora. Griffiths, the "A-team captain, was easily the school's most outstanding player winning some 60 per cent of his games.

The most attractive, if not the most interesting fixture of last season was without doubt against North London Collegiate School - a girls' school. Attendance figures were the highest of the season, though some difficulty was found in judging whether the school or the visitors were enjoying the greatest support. A tense battle was lost narrowly by five sets to four.

The present season has seen the formation of the Wembley and Harrow Schools Table Tennis League with three divisions. Each division is made up of five teams of three players who play each other home and away. Our 'A' team has been placed in the 1st division, and the "B" team in the 3rd division. "B" team opponents include the Sacred Heart School so perhaps attendance figures of last season may yet be broken. Two teams, over and under 15s, have been entered in the Middlesex Inter-School competition which is on a "sudden-death" knock-out basis. It is therefore hoped that established team members will quickly find form and that the budding Chester Barnes and Ian Harrisons of the Middle School will soon be challenging for team places.

Result (to Oct 30th, 1964):

    v Harrow Weald County. LOST 6-3.

League match. 1st division.

“TOPSPIN”